DIY mini bonsai terrarium: a tiny green corner for your desk
Lately I've been completely hooked on the mini bonsai terrarium trend. It combines the traditional art of bonsai with the modern terrarium — a miniature ecosystem inside a glass jar that looks beautiful and takes up almost no space. After a while of tinkering, I've picked up a few core lessons I'd like to share with fellow beginners.
First is choosing the plant. Not every plant suits an enclosed environment. I find Ficus (mini fig varieties) to be the number one choice: nice woody trunk, small leaves, and good tolerance for humidity. Jade plant should only go in an open terrarium, while mai chiếu thủy (Wrightia religiosa) does well in a lidded jar. Avoid cacti and succulents in closed jars because they need dry conditions.
The base layers are extremely important, so don't skip them: at the very bottom a 3–4 cm layer of drainage gravel, then activated charcoal to filter bacteria, then a mesh fabric separator, then an 8–12 cm layer of potting soil, and finally a covering of moss. The biggest mistake beginners make is leaving out the drainage layer or overwatering — a terrarium naturally retains moisture, so a lidded jar only needs watering 1–2 times a month.
For care, I keep the jar in indirect light (an east- or north-facing window is perfect) and avoid harsh sun through the glass, since the greenhouse effect can easily scorch the leaves. Every week I open the lid for 30–60 minutes to air it out and check for mold or pests. Light, frequent pruning is better than one heavy cut.
Honestly, the best part isn't the finished piece, but watching the tiny garden live and change every day.
Source: InBonsai
First is choosing the plant. Not every plant suits an enclosed environment. I find Ficus (mini fig varieties) to be the number one choice: nice woody trunk, small leaves, and good tolerance for humidity. Jade plant should only go in an open terrarium, while mai chiếu thủy (Wrightia religiosa) does well in a lidded jar. Avoid cacti and succulents in closed jars because they need dry conditions.
The base layers are extremely important, so don't skip them: at the very bottom a 3–4 cm layer of drainage gravel, then activated charcoal to filter bacteria, then a mesh fabric separator, then an 8–12 cm layer of potting soil, and finally a covering of moss. The biggest mistake beginners make is leaving out the drainage layer or overwatering — a terrarium naturally retains moisture, so a lidded jar only needs watering 1–2 times a month.
For care, I keep the jar in indirect light (an east- or north-facing window is perfect) and avoid harsh sun through the glass, since the greenhouse effect can easily scorch the leaves. Every week I open the lid for 30–60 minutes to air it out and check for mold or pests. Light, frequent pruning is better than one heavy cut.
Honestly, the best part isn't the finished piece, but watching the tiny garden live and change every day.
Source: InBonsai
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